Pages

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

What Are You Running From??

What are you running from??

Someone sprayed these words on a trail where I sometimes run.

When I first became a runner, it was shortly after my mom had died. I felt a lot of sad feelings back then, and I guess I was running from them. I never even thought about it at the time, but looking back, it makes sense. I began running, because I was running from something.

Now, 5 years later, I'm still running.

I love that with running, I don't have to think about what I'm doing. As a human, it's a pretty innate thing to do. One foot in front of the other. Over and over and over. Not tricky at all. And I guess because of that, my mind is allowed to go wherever it wants.

These days, I feel like I'm running towards something rather than from something. These days, I'm running towards new ideas. I'm running towards solving some puzzles. I'm running towards great memories that easily pop into my head on a long run.

I used to run... I ran quite a bit, especially when I was in the military. But after a really bad tear to my calf muscle, I couldn't run for about a year and a half. Even then I could still feel a twinge where it happened. That was six years ago.

Lately though, I've started running again. It's hard though. My body aches and hurts due to not consistently running or exercising during that time. But I'm starting again.

Metaphorically... I'm running towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Things have been a little tough the past few years for me. Maybe they'll get better if I start putting some miles on my shoes and clearing my head a little.

Well, I would say I started off running from FAT and the FEAR of getting old! Now I continue to run for a totally different reason - I found that I actually love to run (although slow) and love the camaraderie of running with a group. I've met some great people and made some life long friends through DRC. I'm not big on the solo running around my neighborhood though. I DO it, but LOVE my Wednesdays evenings and Saturday morning runs around the White Rock with the group - we talk about everything under the sun which makes the time just fly by!

kerri, i'm happy you found running as a way to cope with your sorrow and continue because you love the way it makes you feel. i've been running with the same three girls for 10 years now. we love our time together. i also enjoy my solitary runs. it's great creative brainstorming time for me.